Question

What is the major challenge in the production of RNA in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes?

a) Lack of RNA polymerase
b) Presence of introns
c) Absence of transcription factors
d) Limited energy

Answer 1

The presence of introns and the necessity for additional transcription factors present a major challenge in eukaryotic RNA production, as compared to prokaryotic RNA synthesis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The major challenge in the production of RNA in eukaryotes compared to prokaryotes is the presence of introns. Unlike prokaryotic cells, where the RNA polymerase can bind directly to the DNA template and initiate transcription, eukaryotic RNA polymerases require the aid of various transcription factors to assemble at the promoter region and begin transcript synthesis. Moreover, eukaryotic genes contain introns, non-coding sequences that must be removed during RNA processing. After transcription, these introns are spliced out of the pre-mRNA to form mature mRNA ready for translation. This additional step of RNA splicing adds complexity to the process of gene expression in eukaryotes.